4 Reasons to Use Compressor

Compressor is a software that is designed by Apple for use
with their Final Cut Studio package. This software allows users to
encode projects into the necessary DVD format. Compressor can also
convert video from NTSC to PAL and vice versa and upgrade video from
standard to high definition. The guideline below will go over the
benefits of using Compressor in conjunction with Final Cut Studio,

1. Streamlined Encoding

Compressor has a Preview window that allows users to make real time
changes to video footage as it is prepared for encoding. Using the same
project, Compressor allows you to encode your project in multiple
formats. Instead of having to worry about changing the encoding
settings, Compressor comes preloaded with over 100 encoding presets that
can be used to provide the best default settings.

In order to maintain the quality of your project, the encoding
process needs to be done in specific steps. Using the Batch Window, you
are able to use the output of one encoding step as the source for the
next step. Compressor also comes preloaded with various video filters.
These filters can alter the color, noise, brightness, and contrast of
the video. In addition to the video filters, Compressor also has audio
filters, such as dynamic range, graphic equalizer, peak limiter, and
fade in and out. These filters allow you to fine tune the video and
audio before encoding both.

2. Industry Standard Encoding

Compressor has the ability to encode your project to the most
commonly used video formats. These formats include MPEG-2 and H.264.
Compressor can also connect with QuickTime so that it can access all of
the video codecs used by that software. In addition to encoding video,
Compressor can also encode audio. As with the video codecs, Compressor
can connect with QuickTime to access all of the audio codecs used by
that software, including the standard MP3 file. If you own other Apple
products, such as the iPhone and iPod, Compressor can encode your
project so that it can be viewed on these devices.

3. Format Conversions

Compressor uses optical flow technology. Optical flow technology
allows Compressor to perform format and standards conversions.
Compressor can convert between the standard NTSC and PAL video broadcast
formats. Compressor can also up-convert video from standard definition
to high definition. When converting your video, Compressor has a feature
that allows the user to change the time duration of the video.

4. Distributed Encoding

If you have multiple computers that are hooked together via a
network, or if your central processing unit has multiple cores, Compress
will be able to use a technology called Apple Qmaster. Apple Qmaster is
a technology that allows Compressor to distribute the encoding of your
project amongst your computers and multiple cores. Apple Qmaster uses a
feature called QuickCluster that surveys your network and multiple cores
to decide how to spread the resources out that are needed to encode.
The purpose of this technology is to speed up the encoding process and
ensure that none of your other work is disrupted during the encoding
process.